Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
The U.S. Air Force maintains a persistent presence over the Middle East near Iran, involving large tanker aircraft and fighter jets, even during the ceasefire period. Reconnaissance flights are also regularly conducted in the area.
On April 26, a group of Iranians gathered in Ottawa, Canada, to chant "Regime change for Iran" and hold images of Prince Reza Pahlavi, declaring "This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return." They also displayed images of the immortal martyrs of the National Revolution to honor their memory.
On January 24, 2026, the Russian oligarch's super yacht "The Nord" crossed the Strait of Hormuz from Dubai, permitted by the IRGC to pass safely.
Iran has informed mediators that it will not negotiate its nuclear program or control over the Strait of Hormuz at this time, insisting that current talks should focus on ending the war before addressing other issues.
Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi stated on the Cheshmandaz program that the Islamic Republic system will not adopt a new form and that Mojtaba Khamenei's policies mirror those of his father.
A U.S. Sailor conducts preflight checks on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the USS John Finn (DDG 113) in the Persian Gulf. Multiple U.S. ships and helicopters are enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports.
IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani responded to former US President Donald Trump's call for Iran to cease support for Hezbollah, stating, "We will never stop supporting Hezbollah."
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, in a post on X, thanked former President Donald Trump for implementing the blockade of southern Iranian ports, stating it has been highly successful both conceptually and in execution, and expressed confidence in Trump's options to sustain gains against the Iranian regime. Graham also commended Trump's decision to cancel the Witkoff-Kushner trip, citing continued Iranian attacks on international shipping and provocative actions post-ceasefire.
On January 9, 2026, 20-year-old psychology student Aida Barasa was shot three times in the neck and throat by agents in Iran. Her body was taken and her family was forced to pay for its return and threatened to lie about her death during protests in Tehran.
Axios reports that Israel deployed its Iron Dome air defense system and Israeli soldiers to the United Arab Emirates during the war to protect the UAE against Iranian missile and drone attacks. Emirati officials have referred to Israel as a key ally in this move.
Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) are servicing dozens of aircraft to ensure U.S. forces remain mission-ready, according to CENTCOM.
Hezbollah released a new video on November 15, 2025, threatening Israel and stating, "No place is a safe, no matter it’s distance." The video's release coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
